It's Arthritis Awareness Week and as an ambassador for Arthritis New Zealand, Tasman Makos and Chiefs rugby winger James Lowe continues to provide hope for sufferers across the country.
In 2007, the now 24-year-old Lowe was diagnosed with a form of juvenile arthritis. Early remission was followed by a relapse in late 2008, which effectively put him out of action until March 2009.
However, Lowe did not let it stop him from following his dream of a rugby career.
A star fullback with the Nelson College First XV in 2009 and 2010, he was selected for the New Zealand Schools team in his final year at college and made his debut for the Tasman Makos in 2012. He was then named in the Chiefs Super Rugby squad for 2014 and in the Maori All Blacks team for a two-match tour to Japan.
Two years ago, Lowe received the Young Achiever Award at the Arthritis New Zealand Awards function in Christchurch. This award identifies the achievements and potential of a young person affected by arthritis.
"I'm at a stage now where I can manage it a lot better," Lowe said. "As good as the pills are...I'm using them as sparingly as I can. I can still feel it when I haven't taken the medication in a while, that's for sure.
"Arthritis doesn't discriminate, it doesn't matter how old you are, you can get it at all stages of life. It's [about] understanding that you're not alone and there are avenues that you can explore and you can meet people who are in the exact same boat.
"I always get messages on Facebook about it from young kids...and I just make a couple of phone calls and it makes [everyone] feel a lot better."
There are 530,000 New Zealanders living with arthritis. There is no cure, but it can usually be managed, and most people with arthritis can continue to lead productive and fulfilling lives.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail/sport/84396296/rugby-star-lowe-still-spreading-the-word-about-learning-to-live-with-arthritis
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